Yarn feeding device and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A yarn dispensing device has a pole. A base member is attached to a bottom section of the pole. A plurality of rod members is attached to a top section of the pole. At least one skein holder is removable coupled to one of the rod members.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/572,323, filed Jul. 14, 2011, entitled “YARN FEEDERS AND STATIONS” in the name of the same inventor, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to knitting, and more particularly to a device for holding and dispensing yarn.

Needlecrafts such as knitting and crochet (hereinafter knitting) are ancient arts that produce beautiful, personal, heirloom-quality articles of clothing and accessories. Although these arts have never gone out of favor, their popularity has fluctuated. Today, knitting and crochet are more popular than ever, not only among women but increasingly among men, and among younger women. These activities are both restful and challenging, encouraging a state of relaxed concentration in the mind; and the results are tangible, personal, and often beautiful.

When knitting, a person may use one or more different strands of yarn. The number of strands of yarn to be used is generally based on the article to be made, the selection of stitching, and the pattern desired, which may require multiple yarn colors, sizes and textures. The individual skeins of yarn are generally placed on the floor or other flat surface located below the user. This may create several issues. First, the individual skeins of yarn tend to roll erratically as the strand is withdrawn, leading to tangling of strands. The skeins may be placed inside a bag or basket, but the orientation of the skeins is then jumbled and tangling still occurs, and the strands often cannot be freely withdrawn. Another issue with placing the individual skeins of yarn on the floor is that this generally requires the user to constantly pull the strands of yarn in an upward direction to in order to retrieve more yarn. This constant pulling may cause neck, arm, shoulder, and elbow pain. This is especially true for those suffering from arthritis or other types of muscle or joint ailments. Further, the gathering of individual skeins for moving to another location, or for storage between knitting sessions is inconvenient and further aggravates the tangling problem.

Therefore, a need existed to provide a system and method to overcome the above problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, a yarn dispensing device has a pole. A base member is attached to a bottom section of the pole. A plurality of rod members is attached to a top section of the pole. At least one skein holder is removable coupled to one of the rod members.

In accordance with another embodiment, a yarn dispensing device has an adjustable length pole member. A base member is attached to a bottom section of the pole. A plurality of rod members is attached to a top section of the pole, wherein the rod members extend up and away from the pole member. At least one skein holder is removable coupled to one of the rod members.

In accordance with another embodiment, a yarn dispensing device has an adjustable length pole member. A base member is attached to a bottom section of the pole. A plurality of rod members is attached to a top section of the pole, wherein the rod members extend up and away from the pole member. At least one skein holder is removable coupled to one of the rod members. A table is movably coupled to the pole. A rolling device is attached to the base member. A storage container is coupled to the base member.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the yarn feeding device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the yarn feeding device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the yarn feeding device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the yarn feeding device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a skeins holding device used in the yarn feeding device of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a skeins holding device used in the yarn feeding device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a yarn feeding device 10 (hereinafter device 10) is shown. The device 10 may allow those who knit or crochet an easy, stress-free means of getting yarn when they need it and keeping that yarn overhead where no one or thing can get tangled in it. The device 10 of the present invention may offer needlework crafters a convenient, effective device for automatically providing lengths of yarn when needed. The device 10 may provide yarn crafters with a gravity-based system for holding and dispensing yarn, easily and from multiple skeins.

The device 10 may have a pole 12. The pole 12 may be an adjustable length pole 12A. The adjustable length pole 12A may be a telescoping pole, a pole having multiple pieces which are coupled together, or the like. The above listing is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

A base member 14 is coupled to a bottom section of the pole 12. In accordance with one embodiment, the base member 12 is removably attached to the pole 12. The base member 14 may be used to allow the pole 12 to stand in an upright manner and to prevent the pole 12 from falling over.

One or more moving devices 16 may be coupled to the base member 14. The moving devices 16 may be used to easily move the device 10 from one location to another. In accordance with one embodiment, the moving device 16 may be comprised of a support member 18 attached to and extending away from the base member 14. The support member 18 may have a first end attached to the base member 14. By having the support member 18 extends down and away from the base member 16, the support member 18 may provide more support and stability to the device 10 thereby preventing the device 10 from tipping over. A second end of the support member 18 may be attached to a wheel 20. The wheel 20 may be a roller, a swivel wheel, a caster wheel or the like. The above listing is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

Located on a top section of the pole 12 may be a plurality of hanging devices 22. The hanging devices 22 may be used to hold one or more skeins of yarn 24. The skeins of yard 24 may be placed in a skein holder 26 as will be described below.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the hanging device 22 may be one or more rod members 22A. The rod members 22A may be attached to the pole 12 in an upward fashion. Having the rod members 22A angled in an upward manner may prevent the skein holder 26 from sliding off of the rod member 22A when the device 10 is being used.

As may be seen in FIG. 4, the hanging device 22 may be one or more hooks 22B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hooks 22B may be attached to a support arm 30. The support arm 30 may be attached to a top section of the pole 12. The hooks 22B may be attached to and hang down from the support arm 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a table 28 may be attached to the pole 12. The table 28 may be used to hold different items when using the device 10. For example, the table 28 may be used to hold tools, hooks, knitting needles, cups, cell phone, and the like. In accordance with one embodiment the table 28 may be adjustable in height. Thus, one may raise or lower the table 28 to a desired height on the pole 12. The table 28 may further be rotatably coupled to the pole 12. Thus, the table 28 may be similar to a Lazy Susan by rotating to allow a user to reach different items on the table 28.

As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the device 10 may have a storage compartment 32. The storage compartment 32 may be located on a bottom section of the device 10. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-4, the storage compartment 32 may be positioned on the base member 16. However, this is shown as one example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

The storage compartment 32 may come in different sizes and shapes as shown in the Figures. A cover 34 may be used to enclose the storage compartment 32 as shown in FIG. 3. The cover may be removably coupled to the storage compartment 32. Alternately, the cover 34 may be hingly attached to the storage compartment 32.

The device 10 may have a light fixture 36. The light fixture 36 may be used to help individuals see more clearly when knitting. The light fixture 36 may be coupled to the pole 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the light fixture 36 is attached to the support arm 30. However, the light fixture may be attached to different components of the device 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment of the skein holder 26 is shown. The skein holder 26 may be used to hold a skein of yarn 24 such that the yarn 24 may be dispensed when needed by a user.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the skein holder 26 may be comprised of a bottom plate member 38. The bottom plate member 38 may have an opening 40 formed in a central section thereof. The opening 40 may be used to allow the yarn 24 to be drawn through to be used by the user. A handle member 42 may be attached to the bottom plate member 38. In the present embodiment, the handle member 42 may be comprised of an inverted “U” shape member 44. The inverted “U” shaped member 44 may be attached to a ring member 46. The ring member 46 may slide into and be attached to the bottom plate member 38. The handle member 42 may be used to attach the skein holder 26 to the hanging device 22. The skein holder 26 may further have a cover 48. The cover may be attached around the handle member 42. The cover 48 may be used to keep the skein of yarn 24 within the skein holder 26.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the skein holder 26 is shown. In this embodiment, the skein holder 26 may be comprised of a tube member 50. The tube member 50 may be made out of vinyl, plastic material, or the like. The listing of the above materials is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. In accordance with one embodiment, the tube member 50 is semi-flexible. The tube member 50 may have a closed bottom end 50B and an open top end 50A. An opening 54 may be formed in the bottom end 50B of the tube member 50. The opening 54 may be used to allow the yarn 24 to be drawn through to be used by the user. A grommet 56 or other type of device may be placed around the opening 54. The grommet 56 may be used to prevent the opening 54 from expending in size and to allow the yarn 24 to be more easily drawn through the opening 54. A handle member 52 may be attached to the top section of the tube member 50. The handle member 52 may be used to attach the skein holder 26 to the hanging device 22.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A yarn dispensing device comprising: a pole; a base member attached to a bottom section of the pole; a plurality of rod members attached to a top section of the pole; and at least one skein holder which is removable coupled to one of the rod members.
 2. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a table coupled to the pole.
 3. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a rolling device attached to the base member.
 4. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a storage container coupled to the base member.
 5. The yarn dispensing device of claim 4, further comprising a lid member attached to the storage container.
 6. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a lamp coupled to the top section of the pole.
 7. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the pole is adjustable in length.
 8. The yarn dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the table is movable along a height of the pole.
 9. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the skein holder comprises: a tube member having an open top end and a close bottom end; an opening formed in a bottom section of the tube member; and a handle member attached to the top end of the tube member.
 10. The yarn dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the skein holder comprises: a plate member; a plate opening formed through the plate member; a handle attached to the plate member; and a cover attached to the handle.
 11. A yarn dispensing device comprising: an adjustable length pole member; a base member attached to a bottom section of the pole; a plurality of rod members attached to a top section of the pole, wherein the rod members extend up and away from the pole member; and at least one skein holder which is removable coupled to one of the rod members.
 12. The yarn dispensing device of claim 11, further comprising a table coupled to the pole.
 13. The yarn dispensing device of claim 11, further comprising a rolling device attached to the base member.
 14. The yarn dispensing device of claim 11, further comprising a storage container coupled to the base member.
 15. The yarn dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising a lid member attached to the storage container.
 16. The yarn dispensing device of claim 11, further comprising a lamp coupled to the top section of the pole.
 17. The yarn dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the table is movable along a height of the pole.
 18. The yarn dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the skein holder comprises: a tube member having an open top end and a close bottom end; an opening formed in a bottom section of the tube member; and a handle member attached to the top end of the tube member.
 19. The yarn dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the skein holder comprises: a plate member; a plate opening formed through the plate member; a handle attached to the plate member; and a cover attached to the handle.
 20. A yarn dispensing device comprising: an adjustable length pole member; a base member attached to a bottom section of the pole; a plurality of rod members attached to a top section of the pole, wherein the rod members extend up and away from the pole member; at least one skein holder which is removable coupled to one of the rod members; a table movably coupled to the pole; a rolling device attached to the base member; and a storage container coupled to the base member. 